Choose the Right Way...

...And Be Happy!

We recently had a Family Home Evening lesson on choosing the right and the consequences and rewards that come with our choices.  We've struggled recently with some of Kirstie's actions.  In talking with friends who have kids the same age, I know that our struggles our normal, but we still wanted to try and redirect some actions/habits.  We've debated about how best to reward Kirstie and Ian for their good behavior.  I didn't really want to start an allowance for them.  Being so young, they don't have a need for money and I feel aren't old enough yet to really understand it anyway.  I also want them to learn that they do chores and help around the house because that is just simply what we do in our family.  The bottom line is that we wanted to emphasize that our attitudes affect our family and that choosing the right makes us happy.

So, we introduced the happy jar!  The kids are still expected to do the same chores-- make their beds, set the table, unload dishes, pick up toys, etc.  But when they choose to do it happily, they get to put tokens in the jar.  They earn tokens by getting ready for bed without fighting, sharing toys, speaking kindly to each other, etc.  And when the jar is full, they get a special reward.

A few weeks before we started the happy jar, my friend suggested we take our daughters to Disney on Ice.  So, I had these tickets, but didn't want to just give them to Kirstie for no reason, so Brent and I decided that going to Disney on Ice would be Kirstie's reward for filling the Happy Jar.  We're happy that Ian is easily pleased.  While I took Kirstie out, Brent took Ian to McDonald's to have dinner and play.  He was thrilled!!   In fact, he still talks about going to the "playground" with dad and having chicken nuggets and chocolate milk.   (Our poor kids don't get out much, do they?)

Kirstie and I had a great time at Disney on Ice.  The theme was Dare to Dream and was all about princesses!!  The anticipation of it all is half the fun, and Kirstie was really looking forward to it!!

Kirstie and her friend Elise were decked out in their princess atire.

Our seats were on the back row of the lower bowl section, which was good because Kirstie couldn't stay seated.  She was up on her feet, watching with excitement and dancing to the music. I was glad no one was behind us so she didn't block anyone's view. When sitting, Kirstie was on the edge of her seat, shouting out to me and Elise each of the characters as the came on the ice and waving excitedly to them.

They told the story of Tiana, Cinderella and Rapunzel.

For the finale, all the princesses and princes came out.  You would've thought Kirstie had died and gone to heaven, she was SO EXCITED!!

And amazingly enough, her favorite princess Mulan was even there!  I have no idea why she loves Mulan so much, but she is hands-down her favorite!  

It was a very memorable night that I'm so glad I got to share with her!  The kids are eager to fill up the happy jar again!  Brent and I just need to decide on a reward, though I'm not sure anything will live up to the princesses!  But maybe we can please Ian by going to Carl's Jr!